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In the world of high-performance industrial components, the PTFE Tube stands out as a critical solution for managing fluids and gases in the most demanding environments. PTFE, or Polytetrafluoroethylene, is a synthetic fluoropolymer renowned for its exceptional chemical resistance, wide temperature tolerance, and remarkably low coefficient of friction. A PTFE tube is essentially a flexible or semi-flexible conduit made from this advanced material, designed to transport everything from ultra-pure chemicals and aggressive solvents to hot oils and complex pharmaceutical compounds. At Kaxite Seals, we engineer our PTFE tubing to meet the highest standards of reliability and performance, ensuring seamless operation in your critical applications.
Selecting the right tubing material is paramount for system integrity, safety, and longevity. Our PTFE tubing at Kaxite Seals is manufactured with precision and quality control at every stage. We offer both extruded and skived tubing options to suit various pressure and dimensional requirements. Unlike many generic offerings, Kaxite Seals tubing provides consistent inner diameter smoothness, which prevents bacterial growth, minimizes pressure drop, and ensures laminar flow. Our commitment to material purity makes our tubes ideal for semiconductor manufacturing, food and beverage processing, and life sciences where contamination is not an option. When you specify Kaxite Seals, you choose a partner dedicated to providing tubing solutions that outperform and outlast.
To ensure optimal selection for your application, here are the detailed specifications and parameters of our standard PTFE tubing portfolio. Custom sizes and configurations are also available upon request.
| Inner Diameter (ID) mm/in | Outer Diameter (OD) mm/in | Wall Thickness mm/in | Standard Length (meters/feet) | Max Working Pressure (PSI)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 mm / 0.039" | 2.0 mm / 0.079" | 0.5 mm / 0.020" | 30 m / 100 ft | 180 PSI |
| 2.0 mm / 0.079" | 4.0 mm / 0.157" | 1.0 mm / 0.039" | 25 m / 82 ft | 150 PSI |
| 4.0 mm / 0.157" | 6.0 mm / 0.236" | 1.0 mm / 0.039" | 20 m / 66 ft | 120 PSI |
| 6.0 mm / 0.236" | 8.0 mm / 0.315" | 1.0 mm / 0.039" | 15 m / 49 ft | 100 PSI |
| 8.0 mm / 0.315" | 10.0 mm / 0.394" | 1.0 mm / 0.039" | 10 m / 33 ft | 85 PSI |
| 10.0 mm / 0.394" | 13.0 mm / 0.512" | 1.5 mm / 0.059" | 10 m / 33 ft | 110 PSI |
*Pressure ratings are for ambient temperature (20°C/68°F). Ratings decrease at elevated temperatures. Consult Kaxite Seals engineering for high-temperature pressure guidance.
The versatility of our PTFE tube makes it indispensable across a broad spectrum of industries. Its unique combination of properties solves complex challenges in fluid handling.
Q: What is the primary advantage of using a PTFE tube over rubber or metal tubing?
A: The primary advantage is PTFE's nearly universal chemical inertness. Unlike rubber, which can swell or degrade, or metal, which can corrode, a PTFE tube can handle almost any chemical across its full temperature range. Additionally, its non-stick, smooth bore prevents scaling and buildup, ensuring consistent flow and easy cleaning.
Q: Can Kaxite Seals PTFE tubing be used for outdoor applications?
A: Yes, but for prolonged outdoor exposure, we recommend our black, carbon-filled PTFE tubing. The carbon additive provides excellent resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, which can slightly degrade unfilled, natural PTFE over many years. The black tubing also offers marginally better resistance to gas permeation.
Q: How flexible is PTFE tubing? Can I bend it into tight spaces?
A: PTFE tubing is semi-flexible. It can be bent to a radius, but it has a "memory" and will not kink like some thermoplastics. The minimum bend radius is typically 4-5 times the outer diameter of the tube. For very tight bends, pre-formed elbows or using heat to gently set a bend (annealing) are recommended solutions available from Kaxite Seals.
Q: Is PTFE tubing safe for use with drinking water or food?
A: Absolutely. Our virgin PTFE material is compliant with FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regulations for repeated food contact. It is also certified to USP Class VI for biocompatibility and 3-A Dairy standards, making it perfectly safe for potable water, food processing, and beverage applications without imparting taste or odor.
Q: What is the difference between extruded and skived PTFE tubing?
A: Extruded tubing is formed by forcing PTFE paste through a die. It is excellent for long, continuous lengths with consistent circularity and is typically used for fluid transfer lines. Skived tubing is made by shaving a thin film from a solid, sintered PTFE cylinder and then spiraling and sintering it. Skived tubing offers superior dimensional accuracy and thinner walls, making it ideal for sleeving, insulation, and precise mechanical applications. Kaxite Seals provides both types to match your specific need.
Q: How do I connect and install PTFE tubing?
A: PTFE tubing is most commonly connected using compression fittings with ferrules (e.g., Swagelok-type), flanged connections, or push-to-connect fittings with appropriate collets. It is crucial not to over-tighten compression fittings, as this can crush the tube. For a permanent, leak-free seal in high-purity systems, heat welding or butt welding is an option. Our technical team at Kaxite Seals can provide detailed installation guidelines.
Q: Can PTFE tubing be sterilized?
A: Yes, PTFE tubing from Kaxite Seals is exceptionally suitable for sterilization. It can withstand repeated cycles of autoclaving (steam sterilization at 121°C/250°F or higher), dry heat, gamma radiation, and ethylene oxide (EtO) treatment without significant degradation of its properties, making it a mainstay in medical and sterile processing applications.
Q: Does Kaxite Seals offer custom-sized or colored PTFE tubing?
A: Yes, we specialize in custom-engineered solutions. We can manufacture PTFE tubing in non-standard inner/outer diameters, wall thicknesses, and lengths to meet your exact specifications. Custom color coding is also available for process line identification, safety, or organizational purposes. Contact our sales engineering department with your requirements.
